NFAI adds 71 film prints in 16mm to its collection
PUNE: The National Film Archive of India (NFAI) has added 71 movie prints, including 50 not present with it in any formatin, in the 16mm format to its collection.
There are 66 colour films and five films from the black-and-white era. The acquisition includes 42 landmark black-and-white Marathi films, including “Warnecha Waagh (1970), a film based on a novel by renowned author Annabhau Sathe, Raja Thakur directed ‘Sant Gora Kumbhar’ (1967) and Anant Mane directed ‘Kela Ishara Jaata Jaata’ (1965).
The films in colour include some of the key Marathi films by renowned filmmakers like Dinkar Patil and Bhalji Pendharkar. V Shantaram’s ‘Pinjara’ (1972) and ‘Chandanachi Choli, Ang Ang Jaali’ (1975) and other blockbusters like ‘Aaytya Bilawar Naagoba’ (1979), ‘Sulawarchi Poli’ (1980), ’Ganimi Kawa’ (1981), ‘Navri Mile Navryala’ (1984), ‘Gulchadi’ (1984), ‘Chambu Gabale’ (1989), ‘De Dhadak Bedhadak’ (1990), and ‘Pratikaar’ (1991).
NFAI director Prakash Magdum said “This collection is important not only because of the titles but also because of the historical value of the 16mm prints. At a times, when film theatres were a luxury, a parallel distribution system existed in the rural areas through 16mm prints. The distributors travelled to small villages and towns, carrying the 16mm projectors and the film prints. These films were shown all night on a white curtain. The 16mm film prints were also the favourite of “touring talkies”, where the films would be shown in tents. Thus, these 16mm film prints have a very important role in making cinema reach far and wide.”
The acquisition also includes 29 Hindi films, including Amitabh Bachchan-starrer ‘Suhaag’ (1979), ‘Andha Kanoon’ (1983) and ‘Nastik’ (1983). Even films like Ek Duje Ke Liye (1981), Prem Rog (1982), Ghayal (1990), Bol Radha Bol (1992), Virasat (1997) and Andaz Apna Apna (1994) are also part of the latest acquisition.
Source : Times of India
